Somalia in a dangerous situation, says former president

His remarks come days after more than 50 people, including a female MP Amina Mohamed Abdi were killed in terrorist attacks in Beledweyne city and 6 died in the Mogadishu airport raid.

News Keydmedia Online
29 March 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said the country is in a critical and dangerous situation due to the continued delays in the parliamentary and presidential elections.

In a Facebook post, Ahmed stated that failure in holding a timely election has resulted in instability that IMF and World Bank said could threaten the debt relief and the donor funds.

The country is in a dangerous situation that cannot be underestimated. The IMF and world bank have voiced alarm over the impact of the long-delayed elections in Somalia,' Ahmed said.

The leader of the opposition Himilo Qaran party blamed the outgoing government for falling short in fulfilling its responsibilities in security and holding a timely and peaceful election.

“Every time, the election is being delayed, the country slides deeper into political turmoil and worsening security that is a threat to the people and the state-building process,” he added.

His remarks come days after more than 50 people, including a female MP Amina Mohamed Abdi were killed in terrorist attacks in Beledweyne city and 6 died in the Mogadishu airport raid.

Laura Jaramillo, IMF’s country director told Reuters that the global lender will terminate the supportive program for Somalia, if the country fails to elect a new government by May 17.

The IMF’s program in Somalia is due for a review in mid-May, but election delays mean that a new administration may not be ready to endorse planned reforms in time,' Laura said.

The parliamentary election is more than a year behind schedule, with the voting for the lower house set to be completed by March 15 missed the deadline as 25 seats still pending.

US Ambassador André and World bank Country Manager Kristina Svensson said after talks that Somalia’s successful economic reform agenda could suffer a reversal if a government is not in place soon.

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